NEW YORK, New York - The rally in U.S. stocks petered out Tuesday, however tech stocks made a modest gains, while the industrials edged up slightly.

"Sentiment continues to wane among investors, consumers and businesses as economic concerns and economic policy uncertainty takes its toll," Bret Kenwell, U.S. investment analyst at eToro told CNBC Tuesday. "Until there's more certainty on the tariff and macro front, sentiment and confidence remain vulnerable."

Following are Tuesday's closing quotes for the major U.S. indices:

• S&P 500: The benchmark index edged up by 9.08 points, or 0.16 percent, closing at 5,776.65.​

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: The blue-chip index saw a marginal rise of 4.18 points, or 0.01 percent, ending at 42,587.50.​

• NASDAQ Composite: The tech-heavy index advanced by 83.26 points, or 0.46 percent, to finish at 18,271.86.​

These movements came in the context of mixed economic indicators. The Conference Board reported a decline in its consumer confidence index to 92.9 in March, below expectations, raising concerns about potential inflation and economic slowdown amid ongoing trade tensions. However, investor sentiment received a boost from President Donald Trump's indication of potential exemptions for some proposed tariffs, contributing to gains in major stocks.

Tuesday's Foreign Exchange Market Update

On Tuesday ,the foreign exchange market experienced notable movements influenced by strong U.S. economic data, a drop in consumer confidence, and developments in international trade policies.​

U.S. Dollar Performance

The U.S. dollar strengthened against some major currencies, bolstered by robust U.S. services data and cautious optimism regarding tariffs. However it fell against the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand dollars. U.S. President Donald Trump's indication that not all threatened levies would be imposed on April 2, with some countries potentially receiving exemptions, helped alleviate fears of a possible slowdown in U.S. growth.

• USD/JPY: The dollar reached a three-week high against the Japanese yen, rising to 150.56 yen, and peaking at 150.92 yen during the Asia morning session.

• USD/CAD: The greenback declined by 0.19 percent against the Canadian dollar, settling at 1.4285.​

• USD/CHF: The U.S. dollar remained unchanged against the Swiss franc, last trading Tuesday at 0.8824.​

Euro and British Pound Movements

The euro and British pound experienced mixed performances against the U.S. dollar:​

• EUR/USD: The euro declined by 0.03 percent to 1.0797, as its recent rally lost momentum. ​

• GBP/USD: The British pound appreciated by 0.18 percent, to last trade at 1.2945.​

Australian and New Zealand Dollars

The Australian and New Zealand dollars showed modest gains:​

• AUD/USD: The Australian dollar edged up by 0.24 percent to 0.6300, supported by optimism about potential tariff flexibility, and the expectations about the budget handed down by Treasurer Jimm Chalmers on Tuesday night..

• NZD/USD: The New Zealand dollar increased by 0.09 percent, last quoted at 0.5732.​

Overall, the foreign exchange market reflected investor reactions to evolving trade policies and economic indicators, with the U.S. dollar showing strength against several counterparts amid positive domestic data and tariff-related developments, but losing ground to the commodity currencies.

Global stock markets edge higher Tuesday

Global stock markets exhibited mostly gains on Tuesday, influenced by evolving trade policies and economic data.

Canadian Market

In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite Index experienced a modest uptick:​

• S&P/TSX Composite Index: The primary Canadian index increased by 35.40 points, or 0.14 percent, closing at 25,339.51.​

The Canadian market's performance was influenced by the broader North American economic landscape, with investors weighing the implications of U.S. trade policies and domestic economic indicators.​

Overall, the day's trading in Toronto reflected a cautious optimism among investors, balancing concerns over consumer confidence and trade tensions with hopeful signs of policy flexibility.

UK and European Markets

UK and European indices closed higher, buoyed by optimism surrounding potential adjustments to U.S. tariff policies. President Trump's indication of tailored tariffs with possible exemptions alleviated some investor concerns, leading to a relief rally.​

• FTSE 100: Gained 25.79 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 8,663.80.​

• DAX: Increased by 257.13 points, or 1.13 percent, ending at 23,109.79.​

• CAC 40: Rose 86.26 points, or 1.08 percent, to finish at 8,108.59.​

• EURO STOXX 50: Advanced 59.29 points, or 1.09 percent, closing at 5,475.08.​

• Euronext 100: Added 14.62 points, or 0.92 percent, to reach 1,607.77.​

• BEL 20: Edged up by 7.83 points, or 0.17 percent, concluding at 4,482.20.​

Asia-Pacific Markets

The Asia-Pacific region presented a mixed picture, with some markets reacting to global trade developments and domestic economic indicators.​

• Hang Seng Index: Declined by 561.31 points, or 2.35 percent, to 23,344.25, reflecting investor caution amid trade uncertainties.​

• Shanghai Composite Index: Closed virtually unchanged, slipping 0.05 points to 3,369.98.​

• STI Index: Increased by 18.20 points, or 0.46 percent, closing at 3,954.53.​

• S&P/ASX 200: Edged up 5.60 points, or 0.07 percent, to 7,942.50, influenced by a softening in U.S. tariff rhetoric.​

• All Ordinaries: Gained 8.80 points, or 0.11 percent, ending at 8,166.70.​

• S&P BSE SENSEX: Inched up by 32.80 points, or 0.04 percent, to 78,017.19.​

• FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI: Rose 9.78 points, or 0.65 percent, reaching 1,513.60.​

• S&P/NZX 50: Advanced 56.30 points, or 0.46 percent, to 12,184.51.​

• KOSPI Composite Index: Fell 16.26 points, or 0.62 percent, closing at 2,615.81.​

• Taiwan Weighted Index: Increased by 166.55 points, or 0.75 percent, to 22,273.19.

• Nikkei 225: Rose 172.05 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 37,780.54.​

Middle Eastern and African Markets

• EGX 30: Slightly decreased by 49.00 points, or 0.15 percent, to 31,762.00.

• TA-125: Gained 9.33 points, or 0.38 percent, ending at 2,495.48.

• Top 40 USD Net TRI Index: Increased by 29.22 points, or 0.61 percent, reaching 4,854.06.

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